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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It is a chronic condition in which the material that cushions the joints, called cartilage, breaks down. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement. The cause is not fully understood.

Signs and symptoms :

Osteoarthritis symptoms usually develop gradually. At first, there may be soreness or stiffness that seems more like a nuisance than a medical concern.

Common symptoms include:

Sore or stiff joints – particularly the hips, knees, and lower back — after inactivity or overuse

Stiffness after resting that goes away after movement

Pain that is worse after activity or toward the end of the day.

Signs :

pain with activity, but relieved with rest

joint stiffness,especially in the morning when the body is cold

crepitus- a grating sensation

mild joint swelling

Osteoarthritis, or OA, may also affect the neck, small finger joints, the base of the thumb, ankle, and big toe. The pain may be moderate and come and go, without affecting the ability to perform daily tasks. Some people’s OA will never progress past this early stage. Others will have their OA get worse. The pain and stiffness of more severe osteoarthritis may make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, sleep, or perform other daily tasks.

Causes :

changes in joint mechanincs

repeated trauma to the joint ( lifting,running )

direct blow

aging – common amoung older patients and progresses with age

Diagnosis :

If you are suffering of OA ,the doctor will ask questions about your medical history and perform a physical exam and, possibly, take X-rays to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment :

medication

heat and / or cold treatments

streching to maintain flexibility

water exercises to maintain mobility

low or no impact cardiorespiratory conditioning

physical therapy

Self-Care

Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight are the keys to living well with osteoarthritis. Too little movement can lead to stiffness and weak joints. Losing one pound can take four pounds of pressure off your knee joints. Overall fitness improves health in many ways. Strong muscles protect joints. An OA management plan also involves eating a nutritious diet, managing stress and depression, and getting a good balance of rest and activity each day.